POLICE have charged a man with murder after a woman's body was found at a flat.

Officers were called at 6.23pm on Friday to reports that a woman had died at Gainslea Court at Derby Road, Bournemouth.

The woman, aged in her 30s, sustained a serious head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have confirmed the woman was 38-year-old Hayley Dean. No formal identification has yet taken place but her next of kin have been informed.

The coroner has also been notified.

Officers have confirmed that 50-year-old James Augustus John D'Arcy, of Bournemouth, has been charged with murder.

He is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates on Monday.

Detective Inspector Neil Phillips, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following a fast-moving and thorough investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charge of murder.

“Family liaison officers have updated Hayley’s family with this development and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“It is also important to stress – as is typical in such circumstances – that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“Detectives continue to work on this investigation and I would appeal to any witnesses who are yet to speak with officers, to contact Dorset Police. The victim and charged man were known to each other.

“I would like to hear from anyone who heard anything suspicious in or around Gainslea Court between 2pm on Thursday, September 15 and 6.30pm on Friday, September 16. I am particularly keen to speak with any members of the public who saw or spoke with Hayley Dean or James D’Arcy between these times. 

“Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to carry out high visibility patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns.”

Forensic officers were seen closely examining the entrance to the large white building during the course of Friday evening and into Saturday morning.

Police cars and specialist vans were lining the street – between Knyveton Road and Christchurch Road – on Friday evening. The cordon remains in place until the investigation is concluded, officers have said.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting reference 16:456.